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Cactus y Pescado
Hamburgers, fish and pasta are served at this typical beach bar just up from Bikini Beach in Manantiales.
Fasano
Located at Hotel Fasano Las Piedras, this gastronomic restaurant is as innovative in design as it is in cuisine. Perched on the highest point of the hotel’s 1,000-plus acre plot and carved out of a rock face, the caveman-esque dining room defines rustic glamour with stone walls, luxe caramel banquettes and cowhide couches, and a rooftop that boasts sweeping views of the countryside and beach in the distance. While the Fasano is located a 30-minute drive from José Ignacio, the excellent Italian menu makes it one of the most sought-after reservations in the high season. Patrons can expect dishes like homemade pasta and grilled meats and seafood.
Fish Market Manantiales
Located on the main strip in Manantiales, just steps away from the beach, the Fish Market serves some of the freshest seafood in the area. The restaurant features an open kitchen with al fresco dining on colorful picnic tables. All of the servers wear aprons made of bold fabrics from Roberta Roller Rabbit, who has a tiny store adjacent to the restaurant. Their homemade ceviche, whole fish dishes and grilled octopus should not be missed.
La Caracola
Nothing embodies the effortless beach charm of José Ignacio better than La Caracola. The latest venture from the owners of Parador La Huella, La Caracola isn’t a bona fide club, but you do have to be invited or know the owners to get in. You arrive via a small rowboat that crosses Garzón Lagoon and deposits you at your destination: a simple wooden building with white walls, canvas awnings, a fireplace and wooden beach furniture. The décor is sparse to allow the views of the Atlantic to be the star attraction (along with the crowd of course.) The food is similar to that served at La Huella; nothing fancy but very fresh and delicious.
Note: La Caracola only accepts reservations for groups of 10 or more.
La Excusa Coffeehouse and Bar
La Susana
La Susana, owned by Vik Resorts, is barefoot glamour at its best. The beach club-cum-restaurant serves beach-friendly fare with an emphasis on local specialties and seafood. There is a supplemental sushi menu at lunch, which is excellent; other favorites include the homemade sausage, catch of the day bites, the La Susana salad and all of the grilled entrées. The vibe throughout is lighthearted and fun, and the hot spot attracts glamorous locals as well as well-heeled visitors. La Susana is best enjoyed with a group, and guests should plan to stay a while; lunch languidly rolls into the afternoon as the cocktails begin to flow.
Temporarily closed as of November 2023.
Marismo
Bonfire dining has been raised to a bohemian art form at Marismo, José Ignacio’s premiere dinner spot. Reached via a winding dirt road off route 10, the romantic spot is set within a pine forest and lit by torches and candles. Convivial groups of families and friends gather at the long tables that surround a bonfire and feast on the specialty of the house, braised lamb. Even if you have a reservation, expect to wait; no one here is in a rush to leave.
Namm
Parador La Huella
In José Ignacio town, this is the prime place to come for lunch. The beachfront spot is ground zero for beautiful people, but the delicious food is what makes it so popular. While it may remind of Club 55 in St. Tropez, La Huella manages to feel both chicer and simpler. The scene is cool and laid-back, but getting a table is no easy feat during the high season. Regulars are waved in, so it’s best to reserve in advance if you are not one. The tables on the front terrace are prime for people watching, but there is additional indoor seating. The menu offers delicious salads, grilled steak and fish as well as pizza, pasta and sushi. Don’t miss the volcano desserts—especially the dulce de leche. At lunch, the view of the beach and sea is great, but at night, the atmosphere changes to be much cozier with lots of candlelight. Both mealtimes are special.
Rex
Rex claims to serve the best chivitos (a typical Uruguayan steak sandwich) in the region. Decorated in the style of an old-fashioned diner with a counter and red vinyl stools, Rex is popular with families who come for hot dogs, chivitos and waffles for dessert. The best tables are in the back overlooking the sea.
Suaya Bar & Restaurant
Since the owner of Casa Suaya is a successful restaurateur from Los Angeles, it comes as no surprise that his hotel has an excellent restaurant. The menu focuses on fresh seafood and beef cooked asado-style in a wood-fired oven, and the crowd tends towards young and beautiful.
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